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Club News
Junior Scratch Matchplay secures Strabane showdown Congratulations to our Donegal Junior Scratch Matchplay team who made the most of home advantage on Sunday afternoon to win their semi-final tussle with North West GC. Under the leadership of skipper Dermot Shields, the Portsalon team dominated and won the first three matches, ensuring the final two were called in whilst in strong positions. North West had overcome Murvagh just 24 hours earlier to take their place in the last-four and it was always going to be a tough ask for the Lisfannon team to concede home advantage with the semi-finals and final pencilled in this year for the neutral venue in Portsalon. Dermot's team consisted of Kevin Boyce, Cathal Canning, Patrick McGowan, Daniel Shields and Davitt Walsh and each member of the panel stood up to the test on Sunday with some exceptional golf that wouldn't have been out of place in the Senior Scratch semi-finals out in front of them. Their reward is a place in the final this coming Sunday, September 29th, against the defending champions Strabane GC. It certainly won't easy to topple Strabane, but once more the matches will be played in Portsalon, giving the team that best possible start. They tee off at 1.30pm on Sunday in Portsalon and all support is welcome for Dermot and his team. Seniors out of luck It was a busy day for team golf on Sunday but, alas, no success for our Senior Scratch Matchplay team or the Donegal Seniors. Stephen Connolly's Senior Scratch Matchplay ran into a strong Strabane team and, despite the home advantage, couldn't get the verdict in their semi-final as Strabane booked a date with defending champions Gweedore in the final. Joe Hensey has led his Donegal Seniors admirably all summer but they were also foiled at the final hurdle on Sunday afternoon by Cloughaneely. The first leg of the final ended all square in Portsalon, 2.5 matches apiece, ensuring it was very much advantage to the Falcarragh team for the second leg. Despite the best efforts of Captain Joe and his team, it was not to be as Cloughaneely won four matches at home. Commiserations to both Portsalon teams on their defeats. Club Results Wednesday 18th September Winner: Bernard McGettigan (31) – 43 pts Runner-up: Kyle Loughrey (23) – 42 pts Gross: Jack Patton (2) – 34 gross pts Third: Niall Blaney (25) – 40 pts Saturday 21st September Winner: Mark Cohen (21) – 43 pts Runner-up: Alan O'Doherty (13) – 42 pts Gross: Shane Magee (2) – 31 gross pts Third: Eunan McGlynn (12) – 41 pts Sunday 22nd September Winner: Joe Gallagher (17) – 41 pts Runner-up: Marty Doran (31) – 39 pts BOT Gross: Shane Magee (1) – 29 gross pts Third: John Shields (15) – 39 pts Ladies News Matchplay Singles Final The final of the ladies singles Matchplay took place between Mary Barrett and Deirdre O’Toole on Tuesday 17th Sept. I can only quote Mary Barrett who summed up the match as follows – “When Deirdre O’Toole is on her game, she is unbeatable!” The ladies shook hands on the 14th green at the end of a wonderful match. Deirdre O’Toole played an incredible match to win the 2024 singles Matchplay title and many congratulations from everyone to her. Past Captain’s Day The sun shone on the past captains as they took to the course on Saturday 21st Sept. A nice cup of coffee and a scone pre-golf went down very well, as the ladies' draw determined the order of play. Anne Speedie got the measure of the course very quickly and by the back 9 was sinking putts unashamedly. While Brighidin Hawke gave her a run for her money up to the 18th, it was Anne who returned the best score of 42pts to win the Ladies Past Captains Trophy 2024 with an incredible 42pts. Brighidin came runner up with an excellent 40pts. Ladies Winter Links The ladies winter links kicks off on Thursday 26th September. There are still a few tee times available. Call the club on (074) 915 9459 to book. Play in Pink Ladies Open Fri 4th Oct is the ladies play in pink Open with funds raised going to Breast Cancer Research. All funds from the ladies October Re-Entry are also being donated to this worthy cause. Results Past Captains Winner – Anne Speedie 42pts Runner-Up – Brighidin Hawke 40pts Sunday Members Competition Winner – Marian Overend 38pts Runner-Up – Anne Busch 37pts Senior set for battle
Joe Hensey and his Donegal Seniors side are in a battle after the first instalment of their final against Cloughaneely. The Falcarragh side emerged unscathed from that outing, taking 2.5 matches to equal the home side in Portsalon. They go again in Cloughaneely on Sunday, 22nd September with a 1.00pm start. Best of luck to Joe and his team, all support welcome. Club Results Saturday 14th September Winner: Joe Coyle (13) – 36 pts BOT Runner-up: Alan O'Doherty (13) – 36 pts Sunday 15th September Winner: Brendan McHugh (17) – 38 pts BOT Runner-up: Mark Cohen (20) – 38 pts Gross: Daniel Shields (6) – 32 gross pts Third: John Shields (16) – 37 pts Sunday 1st September Winner: Gerard Duffy (13) – 41 pts Runner-up: Gerard Gallagher (22) – 40 pts BOT Gross: Eamonn McConigley (5) – 30 gross pts Third: Gary McBride (21) – 40 pts Captain's Outing – Rosses Point Saturday 14th September Winner: Charlie Hickland Runner-up: Johnny Kelly Third: Shane Sandilands Ladies News & Results Mary McDaid Tournament. The annual tournament for the much sought after Mary McDaid Trophy was won by the ladies from Letterkenny Golf Club on Saturday 14th September. Roisin Kerr, daughter of Mary McDaid represented the McDaid family in presenting the trophy, which is in memory of all deceased members of each of the clubs. The three-ball team format made up of a member from each club, not only are playing for their club but also for their team. The added twist of each team being given the yellow ball, with every team member playing a hole in turn with the said yellow ball until it is either lost, sunk or handed back after the18 holes. The only pressure in golf is the weather. Allegedly! Speaking of the weather – I would love to say it was a hot humid day, but alas the high winds, and rain persisted throughout. However, the day as always produced a great spirit of friendship among the ladies. Congratulations to Letterkenny on their great score. Past Captain’s Day Lady Captain Noreen wishes all the past Lady Captain’s a great day this Saturday. Tee times from 11am are reserved for the ladies preceded by tea and scones in the clubhouse at 10.15am. The annual Past Captain’s dinner will take place at 7.30pm. Ladies Winter Links The ladies winter links commences on Thursday 26th September. Book online on BRS or call the club house 074-915-9459 Play in Pink Ladies Open 4th October Breast Cancer Research is the recipients of all funds raised from this fun event. Play in Pink is about rising awareness of breast cancer and research. Fri 4th October has been allocated as a Ladies Open to raise funds. Book online through BRS or call the club on 074-915-9459 October Re-Entry All fees from the October Re-Entry competition will also be donated to the Breast Cancer Research fund. Remember, your first entry must be in a qualifying competition and thereafter for the rest of the month play as often as you can! Results- Mary McDaid Trophy – Letterkenny Golf Club Team Results Winners – Team 6 - 101 pts Frances Shannon Portsalon, Kathleen Kelly Letterkenny, Hazel Russell Rosapenna. Runners-Up team 5 – 95 pts Roseanne Logue Portsalon, Angela Kilgallen Letterkenny, Terri Martin Rosapenna. 3rd – Team 7 91 pts Deirdre Hensey Portsalon, Lorna Reynolds Letterkenny, Terri McBride Rosapenna. Overall Individual Winner – Gillian Dempsey Letterkenny 39 pts Yellowball Winners Team 1 – Lady Captain Noreen McConigley Portsalon, Lady Captain Anne Flannery Letterkenny, Vice Lady Captain Helena McBride Rosapenna. Sunday Members Results Winner – Anne Speedie 34 pts Bot Runner-Up Mae Blaney 34 pts. Club Results
Wednesday 4th September Winner: Mark Bradley (24) – 41 pts Runner-up: John Logue (17) 39 pts Saturday 7th September Winner: Cathal Roarty (17) – 41 pts Runner-up: Cian McGettigan (14) – 38 pts Gross: Ryan McGettigan (0) – 34 gross pts Third: Noel Gillespie ( 23 ) – 36 pts Sunday 8th September Winner: Wesley Shannon (29) – 40 pts Runner-up: Stephen Boucher (17) – 39 pts Gross: Philip Durning (11) – 28 gross pts Third: Pauric Curley (24) – 35 pts Ladies News Mary McDaid Tournament Portsalon, Letterkenny and Rosapenna ladies will compete this Saturday for the annual Mary McDaid Trophy in memory of all our deceased members. The honour belongs to the club with the best score on the day who bring home the Trophy to their club. However, the fun part of the day is the inter-club three ball. The first question on most players lips is “Which team returned their yellow ball?” Incredibly it is the pressure of retaining the yellow ball, from wayward drives into all sorts of trouble, not forgetting the shots over the drains at 2, 16, 17 & 18 that separates the golfers from the golfers! I name these particular holes, because I am not playing & therefore under no pressure! Proud is the team who returns the yellow ball with their card! Ladies Winter Links Last week there was an incorrect date given. Winter links starts on Thursday 26th Sept. Book on BRS or call the club to reserve your tee times. 074 – 915 – 9459 Ladies Open & Play in Pink It’s a Save the Date! Play in Pink on the 4th October is the annual fundraiser for breast cancer research. Book your tee times directly with the club – the number is above, or on BRS when it opens a week in advance. Ladies Results What a score from Ita Ward who has returned some excellent cards this year. Birdies on 10 & 12 help with an excellent score of 41 points! Weekend Members – Winner – Ita Ward 41pts Runner-Up – Deirdre Hensey 36pts August Monthly Re-Entry Winner – Aedeen Conway 74 Runner-Up Mary Barrett 68 BOT Portsalon advance to Donegal League decider
The Portsalon Donegal League team have booked their spot in this year's final after overcoming Bundoran on Sunday afternoon. Under the tutelage of Cathal Canning, the long-serving skipper, the team battled past a strong Bundoran side with an exceptional Donegal League pedigree, overturning a 3-2 first leg loss to get the required 3.5 points at home. Leading the side out, Johnny Shields and Kevin Boyce were 2&1 winners in match, while Jack Friel and Stephen Connolly came up trumps in match two, winning their match on the 14th green. In the middle pairing, the reliable Paddy McGowan and David Butler partnership enjoyed a 7&6 win, going a long way to wiping out the hole differential and leaving Portsalon in need of just a half point from the two remaining matches on the course. That half point duly came as Joe Hensey and Odhran McGowan took control of match five, going three-up after 15 holes and, with that half-point assured the match was called in. Shane Sandilands and Donal Callaghan Jnr were still embroiled in their battle, headed for the 17th tee, when the game was called in. Congrats to team captain Cathal and his squad. After some near misses in the Donegal League in recent times, they'll be hoping to get over the line but it won't be easy with either Gweedore or Cloughaneely to come in the final later this month. Club Results Wednesday 28th August Winner: Kevin Boyce (5) – 40 pts BOT Runner-up: Dean Shields (14) 40 pts Saturday 31st August Winner: Brendan Cullen (22) – 40 pts BOT Runner-up: Gerard Dorian (18) – 40 pts BOT Gross: Johnny Shields (4) – 33 gross pts Third: David Bonner ( 8 ) – 40 pts Sunday 1st September Winner: Gerard Duffy (13) – 41 pts Runner-up: Gerard Gallagher (22) – 40 pts BOT Gross: Eamonn McConigley (5) – 30 gross pts Third: Gary McBride (21) – 40 pts Ladies News Mary McDaid Team Lady Captain Noreen McConigley will lead her team on the 14th Sept as follows : Mary Barrett, Claire Ferry, Deirdre O’Toole, Roseanne Logue , Frances Shannon, Deirdre Hensey and Róisín McCormack. Ladies Winter Links Incredibly, 27th September is the first of our ladies winter links series. Where did the summer disappear to? Please call the pro shop to book times (074) 915 9459 or book on BRS when the timesheet opens. Ladies Open Save the date! 4th October is not only the Portsalon Ladies Open, but it is also the Play in Pink fundraiser for breast cancer research. Results 1st Sept Winner : Mary Barrett 39 pts Runner- Up : Claire Ferry 37pts Club News
Horkan wins Presidents Prize Donal Callaghan Snr held his Presidents prize on Saturday, the final Major of the summer for gents and ladies, and it was Garrett Horkan (30) that won the top prize with a fine score of 41 points. Heavy showers throughout the day ensured that playing conditions were often testing. Diarmuid Logue (6) took next-best with a superb 40 pts, while Sarah Nicholl (21) was also able to tally 40 pts for third place ahead of Giles Kilpatrick (21), also on 40 pts. The gents gross went the way of former Captain Eamonn McConigley (5) with 30 gross pts, while Claire McGonagle (5) won the Ladies gross with 27 gross pts. Paul Armstrong held off the competition to take the not-to-be-sniffed at distinction of Best Past President. Donal thanked everyone that played on the day for turning out and for the continuing courtesy that is shown to him by everyone in the club. He also paid a special debt of thanks to his predecessor, Paul Armstrong, and Club Manager Daragh Lyons for their invaluable assistance across recent years in his various roles within Portsalon GC. Captain Pat Horner told the assembled gathering that Donal has held almost every position imaginable within the club, with great distinction, while Lady Captain Noreen McConigley paid tribute to Donal for the excellent steering job he has done in recent years as the popularity of our President was clear for all to see. Donal Callaghan's Presidents Day – Saturday 24th August Winner: Garrett Horkan (30) – 41 pts Runner-up: Diarmuid Logue (6) – 40 pts BOT Third: Sarah Nicholl (21) – 40 pts BOT Fourth: Giles Kilpatrick (21) – 40 pts Men's Gross: Eamonn McConigley (5) – 30 gross pts Ladies Gross: Claire McGonagle (5) – 27 gross pts 1st Nine: Ger Hardiman (34) – 21 pts 2nd Nine: Francis Shanahan (26) – 22 pts Past President: Paul Armstrong Nearest The Pin Men: Joe Ferry Nearest The Pin Women: Geraldine Hickland Longest Drive Men: Sean Hensey Longest Drive Ladies: Rachel Hall Juniors enjoy Major day in Portsalon Thursday was 'Major day' for our juniors in Portsalon with the annual staging of the Kernaghan Cup and Shaw Shield. The Kernaghan Cup - for junior golfers without an official handicap – was won by Jack Sweeney after he defeated Cormac McIntyre in the final, with Christian Givan and Ruairi Hull the defeated semi-finalists. Well done to all and definitely some bright talents on display. The Shaw Shield - for under-18's with an official Golf Ireland handicap – was won by Charlie Patton playing off 12 with a superb tally of 38 points as he pipped 14-handicapper Harry Brown on the break-of-tie. Our thanks to Junior Convenor Eamonn McConigley and Club Manager Daragh Lyon for their invaluable help today and all year – without them it wouldn’t be possible – and to all that assisted on the course, in the shop and upstairs today to ensure our juniors had a memorable day Mary McDaid The qualifier for the annual Mary McDaid interclub day will be held on Friday 30th and Sunday 1st Sept. Don’t forget to sign the entry sheet in the locker room. The tournament will be played on the 14th September. Condolences Lady Captain Noreen and the ladies branch extend their deepest sympathies to Bernard and all the O’Kane family in Derry on the passing of Sally, who proudly served as our Lady Captain in 2016. Sally passed away peacefully at home on the 20th August. Sally’s warmth, kindness and generosity of spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Donal Callaghan's Presidents Day
Best wishes to our Club President, Donal Callaghan Snr, ahead of his big day on Saturday. President's Day is the final Major of the summer in Portsalon, offering those players that have gone 'close, but not close enough' one final opportunity to get the job done. A bit like Arsenal, the pressure will be on to succeed for those that fall into that category! Boycey leaves Portsalon dancing in the dark Kevin Boyce somehow managed to hold his nerve on the second sudden death playoff hole on Wednesday night as Portsalon completed a remarkable Junior League fightback win over Dunfanaghy in near darkness. He may be better known for his exploits with the guitar under the lights, but last night it was the putter that called the tune of success amid the torches of his teammates. Team captain Dermot Shields saw his defeated 4-1 in the first leg but they went on the attack at home and confident wins from Ciaran McCormick, Davitt Walsh and Boyce were enough to get them back in the tie, while Clive Davidson went down fighting against some exceptional golf. Last to finish in regulation time was Paddy McGowan and he produced a birdie on the first extra hole in his match to force a 5-5 stalemate and a resulting sudden death shootout. With light fading fast, the teams agreed to go down the 1st and back up the 18th holes in pursuit of a winner. The first extra hole was halved in pars and, with light rapidly running out and torches to the fore, the wily Boyce laid up on 18, chipped on and two-putted for a bogey that was good enough to win the playoff in exceptionally difficult playing conditions. Although, gutted, the Dunfanaghy team were sporting in defeat, continuing the manner in which both legs were played. Dermot and his side now move on to face Cloughaneely next and, presumably, they will be glad to get back playing in broad daylight when they do! Club Results Wednesday 14th August Winner: Ronan McClafferty (15) – 46 pts Runner-up: Cathal Canning ( 8 ) – 40 pts Gross: Sean Hensey (4) – 33 pts Third: Mick McGlynn (32) – 39 pts Saturday 17th August Winner: Cian Page ( 8 ) – 42 pts Runner-up: Paddy Sheridan (18) – 40 pts Gross: Kevin Hensey (4) – 32 gross pts Third: Thomas Cullen (14) – 38 pts Sunday 18th August Winner: Joe Hensey (16) – 42 pts BOT Runner-up: Christian Heath (20) – 42 pts Gross: Kevin McGonagle ( 8 ) – 33 gross pts Third: Vincent McDaid (13) – 39 pts Ladies News President’s Day It’s not just the welcome smile you get when you enter the shop in Portsalon Golf Club, it’s the reassurance with a twinkle in his eye, that the chocolate bar for the 10th tee box won’t add an extra pound, the gorgeous size 10 top for sale would be far too big for me, and that there will be loads of shelter on the 3rd fairway from the brisk breeze whooping in from the sea. Our club President Donal Callaghan’s role can’t be matched by any other, and I always leave the shop with a smile of expectation of many pars and the odd birdie. So, as his President’s Day approaches on Saturday, Lady Captain Noreen and the ladies branch all wish Donal a wonderful day, and regardless of the weather, a sunny one with his family and friends. Mary McDaid There will be a qualifier for the Mary McDaid annual inter-club competition on the Alternate Fri 30th August and Sun 1st Sept. Lady Captain Noreen McConigley will lead the team of 8 out on the 14th September and not the 7th As originally stated. Past Captain’s Day Past Captain’s will go ahead as planned on the 21st September, all just before the Winter Links kicks off again, but we’ll say nothing about that yet! Play in Pink The Play in Pink competition which is the annual charity fundraiser for breast cancer research and was postponed earlier in the year will now be played on October 4th which is the last of the ladies Opens this year. Results: 18th August Winner: Hilary Thompson 38pts Runner-Up: Dana Clinton 36pts 11th August Winner: Eileen McLarnon 37 pts BOT Runner-Up: Dana Clinton 37pts BOT Passing of Eugene McGettigan
It was with great sadness on Saturday morning past that we learned of the sudden and untimely passing of Eugene McGettigan. Eugene was our Portsalon GC Captain in 1999 and a long-standing member here for many years. The infectious nature of his personality meant Eugene made a rapid impact on Portsalon when he joined and so it was with great pride that he pulled on the famous blazer to become captain in '99. A keen golfer, camaraderie and a team ethos were central to Eugene's thinking and so it was that he became a key team captain in his time, with his Ulster Cup teams enjoying some famous wins around the province and some unforgettable occasions for those involved in the teams. A love of golf was something Eugene certainly passed on to his three sons – Barry, Ryan and Rory – all of whom spent time in their youth working in the shop here in the golf club. It would be impossible to have spent time in Eugene's company without getting a sense of the pride that he had in his sons. Their exploits on and off the golf course clearly meant the world to him. Their love of the game was fuelled by him and, in return, he got an immense pleasure in seeing them succeed on the golf course, with some famous days enjoyed out on the course in Portsalon and celebrated accordingly afterwards. At this time, the thoughts and prayers of all of us at Portsalon GC are with Barry, Ryan & Rory, their mother Eileen and the large extended McGettigan Family clan as they come to terms with this devastating loss. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Upcoming events Donal Callaghan's Presidents Day will take place on Saturday 24th August, the timesheet will be available for member booking on Saturday 17th August from 6.00pm. Donegal League in battle with Bundoran Cathal Canning and his Donegal League panel emerged with a credible 3-2 first leg loss away in Bundoran amid high winds at the southern seaside venue. Portsalon's opening match-up of Jack Friel and Kevin Boyce got the tie off to a flyer, playing some superb golf en route to winning their game 3&2, while the second Portsalon point was registered by Donal Callaghan Jnr and Shane Sandilands, who ran out 4&2 winners after a see-saw tussle. The second leg of the semi-final will be played in Portsalon on Saturday 31st August / Sunday 1st September, with a date still to be confirmed. Club Results Wednesday 7th August Winner: Cathal Toland (18) – 45 pts Runner-up: Paul L Armstrong (17) – 42 pts Gross: Michael Campbell (1) – 32 gross pts Third: Conor Scallon (18) – 37 pts Saturday 10th August Winner: Cathal Toland (17) – 41 pts Runner-up: John Bowe (23) – 40 pts Gross: David Bonner ( 8 ) – 30 gross pts Third: John Logue (17) – 38 pts Sunday 11th August Winner: Johnny Moore (17) – 44 pts Runner-up: Jack McGarrigle (7) – 41 pts Gross: Pascal Cullen (4) – 36 gross pts Third: Eamonn Doherty (18) – 39 pts Ladies News In the week that our sporting heroes returned from the Olympics in Paris, the Portsalon Ladies Get into Golf initiative, also drew to a close. If you listened to any of the interviews given by our athletes in Paris, they all said something similar. They want to encourage future generations into sport. Not necessarily to be national champions but even just for the benefits of improved physical and mental health. Those of us who have been playing golf for a number of years will readily admit it can be a little frustrating at times! But we are always drawn back. We will also confess to never have been invited to join the European Tour. I can also safely say, no-one can remember how many balls they have lost, how many fresh air shots they have had, and how many thousands of putts they have missed! So my message this is week is directed to the new ladies who have been coming to Portsalon throughout this summer. We all started out as beginners. The sport of golf can at times be frustrating when the ball doesn’t land where you expected it to. That’s why we are amateurs. We can be over critical indeed. However, golf is one of the finest sports that you will ever partake in. The social aspect of the game that opens and welcomes new friendships. The fresh air, the walk, the camaraderie, sociability and general good feeling when you leave the course cannot be measured. The 10 weeks of scrambles and introductory to golf which the ladies took part in has ended, but I hope it is just the start of many wonderful years of golf for all of you. Many thanks to our lady members who also took part, our Pro Daragh and Lady Captain Noreen.  Upcoming events
Donal Callaghan's Presidents Day will take place on Saturday 24th August, the timesheet will be available for member booking on Saturday 17th August from 6.00pm. Donegal League team to face Bundoran Best of luck to Cathal Canning and his Donegal League panel as they play the first leg of their semi-final with Bundoran this Sunday afternoon, with tee-off at the south Donegal venue at 2.00pm. Andy Boland wins the Charlie Canning Memorial The sun shone in Portsalon on Saturday for the 10th anniversary of the Charlie Canning Memorial Tournament and it was long-standing Portsalon member and former club captain Andy Boland who took the honours with a terrific score of 39 points. Andy was a very popular winner and spoke fondly of Charlie and what the trophy means to him as he collected the trophy off Charlie's sister, Nana, in the clubhouse on Saturday evening. Andy narrowly pipped last year's winner, Sean Forbes and Enda McElhinney on the break-of-tie while Claire McGonagle claimed her second women's title with 32 points. The Canning family were delighted to welcome Charlie's sister Nana to present the prizes to the winners and look forward to doing it all again next year! Huge praise also to the Canning family, as their fundraiser to coincide with the 10th anniversary raised €710 on the day for CRITICAL. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗵𝘆 - 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 Winner: Andy Boland (17) 39 pts BOT Runner-up: Sean Forbes (7) 39 pts BOT Third: Enda McElhinney (15) 39 pts Gross: Paul Whorton (2) 33 gross pts Best Lady Claire McGonagle (5) 32 pts 1st Nine: Sarah Nicholl (21) 21pts 2nd Nine: Mick Leonard (13) 21pts Back-to-back Barton Cups for Donal Callaghan Jnr The August Bank Holiday Monday saw the latest staging of the Barton Cup, one of Ireland's oldest matchplay events, and it was a familiar face that came out on top as Donal Callaghan Jnr retained the crown he won 12 months ago to add a third Barton Cup win to his collection. Donal was one of eight qualifiers from the morning nine holes, scoring 25 points after completing the Barton Nine in level par. The quarter finals saw Jack Patton (1) defeating Harry Brown (7), while Cathal Roarty (9) saw off Cathal McGettigan (10 and Odhran McGowan (10) took out Daniel Shields (4). Ducky started his journey with a win over Michael McCormick (2). In the semi-finals, Cathal Roarty got the win over Jack Patton, with Donal Callaghan edging out Odhran McGowan. The final was a tense and quality battle, with Ducky leading 2up early on before Cathal fought back to level the match. They were inseparable after nine holes and teed off up the first again, where a birdie-three from Donal took the measure of Cathal's par and got the win. Another fantastic renewal of this Portsalon original, which as always saw a large crowd following the action across the day. Thanks to all that supported the Barton Cup this year and congrats to our winner, the finalists and all those that played in the knockouts. Club Results Wednesday 31st July Winner: Martin Duffy (23) – 43 pts Runner-up: Brian Forrest (22) – 41 pts Gross: Kevin Hensey (4) – 36 gross pts Third: Brian McAleer (13) – 39 pts Sunday 4th August Winner: Daniel Shields (7) – 37 pts Runner-up: Brian Boyle (24) – 35 pts BOT Gross: Shaun Strain (8) – 26 gross pts Third: Kieran Barron (12) – 35 pts Ladies News After the excitement and bustle of last weekend and Lady Captains Day, this week has been somewhat a little quieter! Congratulations to Claire McGonagle (5) who was the best of the ladies in the Charlie Canning Memorial with 32 points. Her second time to win the ladies section. Also, well done to Sarah Nicholl (21) who won the front 9 with 21pts. As the lady beginners Introduction to Golf scrambles are drawing to a close, appreciation to all those who came to help on a Friday evening, giving up their time or contributing is appreciated. The last Major of the year is Sat 24th August for President Donal Callaghan’s day. Congratulations to Eileen McLarnon , winner of the July Monthly Re-entry. There was no valid competition this weekend. Results July Month Winner – Eileen McLarnon Runner-Up – Deirdre Hensey  Club News
Upcoming events A remainder that as we turn from July into August there are still come major event left on the calendar. This Saturday, August 3rd, it will be the 10th edition of the Charlie Canning Memorial Trophy and, of course, on the August Bank Holiday Monday we will stage the famous Barton Cup, a unique knockout event. Timesheets are in operation for both, with the Barton Cup nine-hole qualifier taking place on Monday morning. Portsalon teams progress Congrats to Joe Hensey and his Donegal Seniors squad after they overcame Ballyliffin in a close second leg last weekend to progress into the final. They will now face either Falcarragh or Cruit Island in the final, with dates and times to be confirmed. Cathal Canning's Donegal League side are also through after edging out neighbours Rosapenna in a close battle in their second leg in Portsalon on Friday. They have yet to learn their semi-final pairing. Club Results Wednesday 24th July Winner: Gerard Dorrian (19) – 43 pts Runner-up: Billy Walsh (16) – 38 pts Gross: Johnny Shields (3) – 29 gross pts Saturday 27th July – Lady Captain Noreen McConigley's Prize to Gents Winner: Brian Haughey (19) – 45 pts Runner-up: Martin McFadden (25) – 42 pts BOT Gross: Sean Hensey (4) – 31 gross pts Third: Aodh McCormack (22) – 42 pts First Nine: Michael O'Hara (23) – 23 pts Second Nine: Teddy Russell (26) – 27 pts Sunday 26th July – Monthly Medal Winner: James Lynch (16) – 68 nett Runner-up: Johnny Kelly (21) – 69 nett BOT Gross: Jamie Foley (+1) – 71 gross Third: Stephen Boucher (18) – 69 nett Ladies News Lady Captain’s Day was Mae’s day in Portsalon on Saturday. To a rousing standing ovation, Mae Blaney was presented with the Lady Captain’s Prize of 2024 by Noreen McConigley. The applause became more prolonged as Mae quipped that it was her first ever Lady Captain’s Prize to win, in all the years she is playing golf. Mae has served as Lady Captain and still works diligently on the ladies committee to promote ladies golf in Portsalon Golf Club. She recorded a tremendous score of 42 points and acknowledged her playing partners especially for willing her final putt to go in on the 18th! On a day of high scoring, 40 pts by Sarah Nicholl came runner-up on a bot from Mary Barrett, who took 3rd place. The longest drive by Roisin McCormack was miles up the 11th & it took most of the rest of us mere mortals, 2 shots to try and reach it! Claire McGonagle set a target on the 10th for the Nearest the Pin which couldn’t be beaten either. Vice Lady Captain Roisin was the compere for the night and spoke of the work and effort Noreen has put into everything she does in the club, in particular with the lady beginners introduction to golf on a Friday evening. These sentiments were echoed by Captain Pat Horner and President Donal Callaghan who for his part remains in awe of Noreen’s parking skills, who can perfectly manoeuvre into the tight space left by Donal! Lady Captain Noreen gave a heartfelt speech thanking everyone in Portsalon who made her day so special and enjoyable. Proud of her family, their unwavering support, and of course Seán who gets everything sorted and happily goes for everything! She gave a particular thanks to her committee, Vice Lady Captain Roisin, Hon Sec Anne, Treasurer Claire, H/Cap Sec Aedeen, Comp Sec Iris and members Deirdre, Mae, Frances, Roseanne and Tracey who all do an amazing job behind the scenes to keep the ladies branch to the fore within the club. She also appealed to any lady to consider taking on a role and spoke so eloquently about the wonderful solidarity we all share with Portsalon Golf Club as members. Appreciation of all the work our Greens staff to keep the course in absolute pristine condition summer and winter was also acknowledged by Noreen. The meal provided by Roisin and her staff was as always superb, and members danced off the calories long into the night. Revive Team After very tough matches against Newtonstewart on Sunday, the journey for the Revive team ended. Having won some fantastic matches, they bowed out in the quarter finals. Appreciation to the entire team and panel for all their time, travelling, and effort to get this far against some very tough opposition. Thanks also to Roseanne Logue whose Captaincy of the team has been excellent as always! Thanks to the Newtonstewart team for extending wonderful hospitality to the Portsalon visiting team. Results Lady Captain’s Prize Winner – Mae Blaney 42 pts Runner-Up – Sarah Nicholl – 40pts Bot Gross – Claire McGonagle – 25 gross pts 3rd – Mary Barrett – 40 pts 4th – Deirdre O’Toole – 39pts Past Captains – Anne Speedie – 38 pts Bot Committee – Roisin McCormack – 36pts Bot 5th - Eileen McLarnon – 36pts Bot 6th – Geraldine Hickland - 36pts Bot 7th – Tricia Bradley – 36pts Bot Front 9 – Claire Ferry – 19ts Back 9 – Kathleen McCormick – 20pts Longest Drive – Roisin McCormack Nearest the Pin – Claire McGonagle Guests Ladies Winner – Fiona Boyle Runner-Up Marian O’Sullivan Letterkenny Golf Club |
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September 2024
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Portsalon Golf Club
Fanad, Co. Donegal, Ireland
[email protected]
Office : +353 74 9159459
Bar & Restaurant : +353 74 9192665
http://www.portsalongolfclub.ie
[email protected]
Office : +353 74 9159459
Bar & Restaurant : +353 74 9192665
http://www.portsalongolfclub.ie
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